Automatic gun.



A. MICLAUS, JII.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

APPLICATION FILED 050.12, I9I

1,136,695, 4| Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

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s N l No I w I A. MlCLAUS, JR.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

APPLICATION F|LED DEC. 2. 1914.

Ll36695.l

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

nvmffoz h 0MM@ L @www A. MICLAUS, III.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

APPLICATION FILED nic. 2. I9I4.

1,136,695, Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Flin-Q A. MICLAUS, JR.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 2. 1914.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

6 SHEETS*SHEET 5.

---2..- n A A A. MICLAUS, JR.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

APPLICATION FILED DEc. 2. 1914.

1,136,695. Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

6 SHEETS-MEET 6.

@XX/hmmm ALEXANDER MICLAUS, JR., OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT 0F COLUMBIA.

AUTOMATIC GUN.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented'Apr. 20, 1915.

Application filed December 2, 1914. Serial No. 875,146.

T0 all I'zc/10m t may Concern Be it known that I, ALEXANDER MICLAUs, Jr., a subject of the King of Rumania, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and i'seful Improvements in Automatic Guns; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. i

My invention relates to improvements in guns of that type in which the breech `mechanism is automatically unlocked by the pressure of the powder gases onthe motor piston. and is then forced backward by the pressure of the powder gases on the empty cartridge case` moving the various movable parts against the action of a return spring io the rear and ejecting the cartridge case; while. the parts are restored to the initial position b v said return spring.

My invention is more especially intended to apply to guns of that type which may be tired continuously automatically as long as the magazine is kept charged with cartridges, or which may be fired single shot, as desired.

My invention will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts are indicated by the same reference symbols throughout the several views Figure 1 shows a central ver tical seetior.` through the rear of the barrel and the breech end of the gun, parts being shown in elevation; Fig. 1a is a similar section showing the gun barrel and the muzzle end of the gun; Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 show sections along the lines 2-2, 3 3, 4 4, and 6-6, respectively, of Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows, the parts being shown on a larger scale than Fig. 1; Fig. 7 shows a section along the line 7 7 of Fig. la, and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 8 shows a section along the vline 8-v8 of Fig. 1, and looking down, and indicates part of the elevating gear and the tripod mount; Fig. 9 is a similar view to Fig. 1, except as seen from the opposite side and with the breech block withdrawn to the rear, and the cartridges being fed to the breech of the gun; Fig. 10 shows a section along the line 10-10 of Fig. 9, and looking in the direction of the arrows; this figure is intended more especially to illustrate the magazine and the method of feeding the the gun of this character;

cartridges to the gun, the parts in this View being shown on twice the scale of those shown in Fig. 9; Fig. l1 shows a section along the line 11-11 of Fig. 9, and lookin in the direction of the arrows, the parts being shown on the same scale as in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 shows a section along the line 12-12 of Fig. 10, and looking in the direction. of the arrows; Fig. 13 shows a section along the line 13 13 of Fig. 10, the section being taken in a horizontal plane through the axis of the barrel, the parts being shown on the same scale as Figs. 1 and 9; Fig. 14 shows a section along the broken line 14-'14 of Fig. l, and looking down; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the feed piece for feeding the .cartridges from the magazine to the gun; Fig. 16 is a perspective view ofthe safety lever; Fig. 17 is a plan view showing a collapsible mount adapted for use with Fig. 17a is a detail showing a spring locking arrangement adapted for use in a mount of the type shown in Fig. 17; Fig. 18 shows a section along the line 18-18 of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a detail showing a sleeve to which the socket pin of the gun mount may be swingingly connected, and which may be used either with the mount shown in Fig. 17, or in any convenient place, as in a boat; and Fig. 2 0 shows a section along the line QO-QOof Fig. 19, and looking in the direction of the arrows, parts being shown in elevation.

A represents the gun barrel, which is preferably mounted in a suitable water jacket, such as A, supplied with water through an opening closed by the plug a3, see Fig. la; or any suitable barrel casing, not shown, may -be substituted for the water jacket, if desired. Suitable sights a and a are provided.

The breech end of the barrel is preferably squared, as shownvin Fig. 11, and is secured -to the receiver B and to the supporting block D by bolts b, as shown in Figs. l, 9, 10, 11 and 13. The rear end of the receiver is closed, and is provided with a suitable hand grip C, while the front end is closed by the breech of the barrel and by the webs D of the supporting block D, and the heel of the supporting block D is provided with the worm segment D2 adapted to engage the worm gear E, by means of which the gun may be elevated or depressed for nice adjustment, as will behereinafter more fully described.

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A attached thereto, and which is connectedl The barrel is provided near its muzzle with a collar F, which is perforated, as at f, to register withfthe perforation a 1n` the barrel, and said collar F 1s provlded' with a cylindrical chamber f to receive the h ead of the motor piston G. This cylmdrical chamber f is provided with an o emng f to permit the escape of the pow er gases therethrough .when the motor piston 1s forced suiiiciently to they rear, and a plug f2 is provided in line -with the openings f and a to permit the insertion of a cleaning tool should the same become clogged up with detritus from the powder gases, rust, or the like.

The rear end of the motor piston. is provided with a collar G which 1s rigidly by screw threads to the actuating rod G2, which rod passes through a sleeve H which is journaled in the supporting block D and in the bridge I mounted in the receiver,l

as shown in Figs. 1 and 9. Between this sleeve H and the collar G', thev spring Gx3 is mounted, whichnormally tends to restore the motor piston to the initial position.

Near its heel the rod G2 is provided with a transversely-elongated slot g into which projects the pin lc of the lock K for the breech block, which is in the form of a bellcrank lever pivoted in the receiver, as at Ic', and having 1ts arm k2 adapted to engage a notch m in the bottom of the breech block M, and to hold they breech block in the locked position, as shown in Fig. 1, except when the locking arm k2 is released as V shown in Fig. 9,.

It will-be seen that when the gun is fired the powder gases will push back the motor piston a slight distance, releasing the locking lever K from engagement with the breech block and permitting the breech block to be forced to the rear by the pressure of the `powder gases acting on the base of the empty cartridge case.

The breech block is forced backward against the action of the return spring L and is restored to the initial position by said spring.` This spring is held under compression between the abutment b of the receiver B and the rear end of the breech block, and is mountedon the hollow stem L', which is fast to the rear end of the breech block, as shown inFig. 1, in which hollow stem the tail of'the firing. pin N rojects. This firing pin N carries a lug which is normally pressed upon by the spring N2, tending to force the firing pin forward to lire the cartridge. The ring pin is vheld inthe rearward position by means of the cooking toe o of the hand cooking lever O which is connected to the bell crank lever P, having one arm p pivoted to said cooking toe, and thel other arm p connected to the trigger rod P', which masses therethrough of the rod- G2 and the other i arm o2 adaptedto engage in front of the lug N of the firing pin N. This automatic cooking toe o2 is normally held in engaging position by the spring O2 on the rod G2.

The actuating rod G2 is provided with a laterally-projecting lug` g2 which engages the rear face of the arm o of the automatic cocking lever O and tends to throw the cooking toe -02 out of engagement when the motor piston nears the forward position under the action of the spring G3.

The trigger is normally returned to the forward osition by means of the spring P3 engaglng the collar P* on the vtrigger rod P. It will be noted that as long as the trigger is drawn to the rear, or to the position shown in Fig. 9,y the ,cooking toe will be held out of engagement with the lug N and automatic tiring will continue. As Soon as the trigger is released, the spring Ps will return the cooking toe to the position shown in Fig. 1, and will arrest the forward movement of the ring pin, thus ally-projecting handle R, provided with a knob 1', the inner end 1* of which handle is screwed into the breech block aspshown in Fig. 2. By pulling back on the handle P, the breech block may be unlocked, and then by drawing back on the handle R it may be drawn to the rear, to the position shown in Fig. 9, andthe piece mayl be loaded either from the magazinel or by hand.

In automatic firing, it will only be necessary to start the firing by drawing back on the handles Q and R as aforesaid. After the gun has begun iiring automatically, if the trigger be kept drawn'to the rear, and the handles Q and R be released, automatic firing will continue indefinitely, so long as the supply of cartridges is fed to the gun.

claw j normally held in engagement with the rim of the cartridge case by means of the spring j. On the opposite side of the breech block, and secured in or integral with the receiver, is the ejector J', having a lug 7'2 adapted to engage the rim of the cartridge case opposite to the extractor, and to iip the cartridge case through the opening Bo in the side of the receiver, all as shown in Fig. 13.

It will be seen that the breech block yields under pressure of the gases after the projectile passes the opening a", thus reducing the recoil.

Having thus described the automatic and hand firing of the gun, I will proceed to describe the feed mechanism, which is automatically operated by the movement of the breech block.

The rear end of the breech lblock carries a downwardly-projecting tang S, see Figs. 1 4, which is perforated, as at s, to receive the enlarged portion T of the rod T, journaled between the rear end of the receiver and the bridge I, and is rocked by means of the engagement of the pin s', carried by the tang S, and the cam groove t of the rod T. As the breech block reciprocates this pin will cause this cam groove to rock the rod T', and rotate the pinion T2 carried by said rod, see Fig. 6. This `pinion engages the segmental gear U which is loosely mounted on the sleeve H, see Figs. 1, 6 and 9, and

carries the pawl U operated by the spring U2. This pawl engages the teeth 'v of the ratchet wheel V, which is fast on the sleeve H, thus the partial rotation of the pinion -T2 under the action of the cam groove and pin s will turn the ratchet wheel V over oneto`oth at a time, and any back lash of the ratchet wheel V will be prevented by the pawl U. This ratchet wheel V is provided with sprocket teeth fv, as shown in Fig. 10, which engage the links of the sprocket chain W carrying the pushers W', between which pushers the cartridges are fed from the magazine, as shown in Fig. 10. Opposite the ratchet wheel V there is an idler sprocket wheel Vl over which the sprocket chain passes, as shown in Fig. 10.

The operation of the magazine will be hereinafter described, but assuming the cartridge to be delivered by the sprocket chain W to the rear of the breech, it will be lifted to the elevating position, as shown in Fig. 9 by the feed piece X, which is pivoted to the receiver by a pin passing through the hole a. For convenience of assembly, the pin c of the breech locking lever K is also used as a pivot for the feed piece X. This feed piece is provided with a heel which, when the breech block is in the closed or nearly closed position, projects into a slot m0 in the bottom of the' breech block and allows the forward end of the feed piece to drop down out of engagement with the breech block when the latter reaches the closed position; but when the breech block nears the open position this heel Will engage the cam face m2 at the end of the slot in the breech block and will throw the forward end of the feed piece upward, lifting the cartridge to the position shown in Fig. 9.

The feed piece is provided with a shelf m2 to support the cartridge, which is slotted,

as at m3, to permit the passage of the sprocket chain W. At the side of the shelf there are stop lugs x4 and m5 to keep the cartridge from rolling off, and the lug m5 is provided Witha cam face the heel of the breech block when the latter nears the closed position and thus positively flclnrce the front end of the feed piece down to t e T e feed piece is steadied in any convenient way, as by means of the friction brake Y, by having the spring plunger y engaging against the curved braking face b3 of the receiver, as shown in Fig. 9.

Referring now to the construction ofthe magazine, this consists of a box Z having a series of vertical channels .e therein, to which the cartridges are ordinarily supplied in any convenient way, as by hand or otherwise, as shown in Fig. 10.- For convenience in feeding, the cartridges are shown placed in a box Z, separated by a number of partitions, into a series of chambers zsimilar to those in the magazine and with a removable bottom e', which may be Withdrawn when the box is placed on top of the magazine, as shown in Fig. l0, and allow the cartridges to drop from the box in the chambers of the magazine.

For ordinary firing at normal elevations, the top of the magazine may be left open and the cartridges will feed down by gravity; but where it is desired to fire at high elevations, for instance at air craft, a positive means for feeding the cartridges to the feed mechanism should be supplied, for instance such as shown in Fig. 12, Where Z2 represents a door fitted to the magazine and -having a series of springs 22, one for each chamber ofthe magazine, adapted to press on top of the cartridges and to press the same toward the sprocket chain l/V. This door is hinged at one side', as at a3, and at the other side has a spring catch e4 adapted to automatically engage the hook z5, as shown in Fig. 12.

It will be noted from an inspection of Fig. 1`0 that the cartridges willbe fed first from the chamber in the magazine farthest from the barrel, and that these chambers will be emptied serz'atim, so in feeding the gun by` hand it will only be necessary to feed into the farthest chamber of the magazine; while all the other chambers of the magazine may w to engage osition for receiving another cartridge.

cartridges. By this arbe kept filled with simple matter to re rangement, it will be a slowly by hand, and then, when-ready, to fire rapidly automatically as desired.

In order to control the firing of the plece either automatically, single shot, or to lock it against firing' at all, lever 1, shown in detail in Fig. 16 and also shown in Figs. 4, 9 and 13. This safety leveris provided with an inwardly-projecting pin 2 having the head 3 which is rounded on one side at 4, and squared on the opposite side as at 5. This lever is provided. with a handle 6, all as shown in Fig. 162 A spring plunger 1, see Figs. 4 and 9, is provided to lock the part 1 in its adjusted positions. When this handle 6 is swung forward toward the muzzle of the piece, the rounded end 4 projects into the notch m4 of the breech block and locks the breech block against movement inA either'direction and also locks the lever O by engagement with the notch o", and thus locks the piece against 4firing. When the handle 6 israised to the verticalposition, as shown in Fig. 4, and the parts of the gun are in the position as shown in Fig. 1, theA rounded end 4 projects into the notch m4 of the breech block and locks the breech block-against movement in either direction. The gun can then be ired a single shot only, and before a succeeding charge can` be fired the handle 6 must be swung'to the rear in the direction of the hand grip as shown in dotted Vlines in Fig. 9'; thus causing the safety lever to be moved entirely clear of engagement with the breech block. The breech block is then moved rearward toward the hand grip by the hand lever R to the position shown in Fi 9, and then returned to the forward position by hand, thus causing the old shell to be ejected and the succeeding cartridge to be fed into the barrel. The handle 6 is then raised to the vertical position, causing the' rounded end 4 to again project into thenotch m4 and lock the breech block in position for firing another single shot. When the handle 6. is swung to the rear position, toward the hand grip, as shown in Fig. 9, the safety lever will be entirely clear of engagement with the breech block and the guncan be fired automatically indefinitely.

4The gun lmay be mounted on any suitable mount, such, for instance, as the tripod mount shown in Figs. 1a and 8, and the mount shown in Figs. 17 and 20. Referring now to the mount shown in Figs. 1a and 8,

the supporting block D is hinged in the yoke 10, mounted on the plate 9, to which the tripod legs 11 are adjustably connected, which legs are preferably hollow and may be set at any desired angle by means of the spring-impressed pins 12 engaging the segmental racks 13, and these pins may be pressed backward, 'for setting the legs in provide a safety works, stumps, or'the like, or may be low-f ered very low so that the gunner may fire the same while lying down and thus keep it f and himself as much out of sightas possible.

The supportingblock D is provided with a se ent D2 which engages the worm wheel 'E on the shaft E which is vturned by the hand wheel E2 and the handle E". worm shaft is pivoted at one end, as at e, so as to allow the worm E to be swung awa from engagement with the segment D2. t is provided at its outer end with a collar e', and is journaled in the yoke 17, which is normally pressed outward by the spring 18, and carries the member 19, which may be clamped in the -desired position by the spring lunger 21 which automatically locks the sai member in the `position either for causing the worm E to engage with the segment D2, or to be free therefrom.

This- The gun may be turned in any convenient mounted in a sleeve 31a and held in place by a spring catch 32. This sleeve may be mounted in the thwart of a boat, or other convenient place, or may be mounted in the eye 40 of the field mount shown in Fig. 17, in which 41 is a longitudinal bar having one cross piece 42 integral with or rigidly attached thereto, and the other cross piece or link 43 sliding thereon and held in the def sired position relative to said bar by a pin 44 engaging in perforations in said bar.' Two of the link members 45 are hinged to lthe block 46 carrying the axlev 47 for the wheel 48; while the opposite link members 45@ have their heads 49 provided with segmental teeth 50 engaging each other, the

whole forming a double collapsibletoggle joint to which the wheels 47 and 47a are attached.

By sliding the link 43 longitudinally on the bar 41, the space between the wheels may be increased or decreased, thus rendering the carriage adaptable for narrow or broad roads, or forgiving a wide base, or a narrow base of support for the guns. It will beseen that by brlnging the wheels close together the wheel carnage may be conveniently dragged over narrow lanes, through woods, or the like, and may be conveniently transportedin boats, taking up very little room.

Moreover, by bringing the wheels together and turning the plece on its side, the gun and its mount may be very conveniently hidden in high grass, bushes, or the like.

' For uick adjustment I provide a springactuate locking pin 44, as shown 1 n Fig. 17, mounted in the bracket 51 carried by the link 43 and normally pressed into engagement by a spring 53 engaging the, set collar 54. The pin may be withdrawn by the knob 52, and is snapped into engagement by the spring 53.

It will be noted that l have provided a mount which may be raised or lowered at will, or which may be combined with a ield mount, or used in connection with a simple standard, as desired. Moreover, it will be obvious that with the herein described construction the gun is capable of being fired at high elevation, as against air craft.

The gun is very light and may be carrled bodily by the soldier, or dragged on wheels, as desired. f

lt will be noted that I provide a gun which can be very readily assembled, or disassembled and connected to the various kinds of mounts referred to; that it does not 4for transport; moreover, by having the magazine closed by a door the magazine may be kept ready foriring automatically without the necessity of re-charging the magazine. The cartridge boxes will be rovided ready for use, and there is no lielihood of the cartridges jamming therein, and no special tools are required to feed same.

It will be obvious that various modifications might be made in the herein described apparatus, and in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts which could be .used without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. Inan automatic gun of the character described,'the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated .near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank lo'cking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, substantially as described.

2. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle tov permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position,`with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell-crank locking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, substantially as described.

3. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when said, rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridges serz'atz'm to the gun, substantially as described.

4. ln an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand,` when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for. returning said breech block to the closed position, and a .locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech blockv when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridge sem'atm to the gun, substantially as described. y

5. ln an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring forreturning said rod to the initial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank lockingglever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movementA of the'said actuating rod vand being thrown into locking position when said breech block and vsaid actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the .reciproca-ting movement' of Said breech block for feeding the cartridge seriatz'm to the gun, substantially as described.

6. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return l spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and' adapted to be moved rearward by the'pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell-crank locking lever'pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when s'aid breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding by the pressure of thepowder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuatingrod and adapted to release said breech block when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed'mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridges seria/tim to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted 'to deliver .the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and imparting a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substantially as described.

8. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel 'and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzleto permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in, said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridges seriatz'm to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and imparting a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substantially as described. A

9. ln an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping .powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank locking lever pivoted in said receiver and havfor feeding thecartridges serz'atz'm to thel gun, said feed mechanism comprising a sprocket Wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven b y said cam and imparting a step by step motion to said sprocket Wheel, substantially as described.

l0. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell-crank locking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement vwith the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of saidvbreech block for feed'- ing the cartridges scm'atz'm to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and imparting a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substantially as described. n

1l. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the inltial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating Arod and adapted to release said breech block when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridges serz'atz'm to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a feed piece pivoted in said receiver, and having a front and a rear arm, the rear arm being adapted to be pressed downward by said breech block as the latter moves backward, thereby raising its front arm and carrying the cartridge to the position for feeding same to the gun, said feed mechanism also comprising a sprocket Wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and imparting a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substantially as described.

12. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rodoperated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said .actuating rod by hand, when desired, a

breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when the breech block. and actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement of said breech block for feeding the cartridges scrz'atz'm to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a feed piece pivoted in said receiver, and having a front and a rear arm, the rear arm being adapted to be pressed downward by said breech block as the latter moves backward, thereby raising its front arm and carrying the cartridge to the position for feeding same to the gun, said feed mechanism also comprising a sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and imparting a step by i step motion to said sprocket wheel, substagn- .lle

tially as described.

13. ln an automatlc gun of the character described, the combination with the 'barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powdergases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returningI said rod to the initial positions, a breech blockmounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearwardv bythe pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank locking lever pivoted insaid receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuatin rod, the said locking lever being release from engagement with the breechblock by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, with feed mechanism operated by the reciprocating movement or said breech block for feeding the `cartridges serz'atz'm to the gun, said feed mechanism comprising a feed piece pivoted in said receiver, and having a front .and a rear arm, the rear arm being adapted to be pressed downward by said breech block as the latter moves backward, thereby raising its rontarm and carrying the cartridge to the position for feeding same to the gun, said feed mechanism also comprising a sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibrating cam driven by said breech block, and a ratchet and pawl arrangement driven by said cam and impart-- ing a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substantially as described.

turn spring for returning said breech block to the closed position', and a bell crank locking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, with ee feed mechanism operated by the reciprocatpin spring carried by sai means for cooking said firing pin, means opl ing movement or said breech block for reeding the cartridges serz'atz'm to the ,said reed mechanism comprising .a reed ieee pivoted in said receiver, and having a ront anda rear arm, the rear arm being adapted to be pressed downward by said breech block as the latter moves backward, thereby raising its front arm and carrying the cartridge to the position for feeding se to the gun, said feed mechanism also comprising a` sprocket wheel and a chain driven thereby adapted to deliver the cartridges to the receiver, a vibratin cam driven by said breech block, and a rate et and pawl arrangement drivenby said cam andimparting a step by step motion to said sprocket wheel, substan! tially as described.

l5. In anautomatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, or Lan actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rodto the initial position, a breech blockmounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return sprin for returning said breech blocktoA the c osed position, alocking lever i operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech blockl and actuating roda-re in the forward position, a irin pin and ring vbreech. block,

erated by hand for releasing said firing pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said ring pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, substan- 4 tially as described.

16.- In an automatic of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, or an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases,'and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, vwhen desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved' rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block tion, a tiring pin and tiring pin spring' c arried by said breech block, means for cooking said firing pin, means operated by hand for releasing said tiring pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said tiring pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, substantially as. described.

17. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder'gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to the initial position, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, a 'bell crank locking lever pivoted 'in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement ol the actuating rod and being thrown into locking position 5 `when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, a firing pin and firing pin spring carried by said breech block, means for cockin said firing pin, means operated by hand or releasing said firing pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said firing pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, substantially as described.

18. In an automatic gun of the character described, the combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returning said rod to theinitial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank locking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage said breech and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement of the said actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, a firing pin and firing pin spring carried by said breech block, means for cooking said firing pin, means operated by hand for releasing said firing pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said tiring pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, substantially as described.

19. In an automatic gun of the character described, lthe combination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated nea-r the muzzle to permit the escape .of powder gases', of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spring for returnin said rod to the initial position, a breech b ook mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the'pressure of the powder gases, a return spring for returning said breech block to the closed position, a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuati-.ng rod and adapted to release said breech bloc when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, a firing pin and firing pin spring carried -by s aid breech block, means for cocking said lfiring pin, -means operated by hand for releasing said firing pin whenl desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said tiring pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, with a safety lever pivoted to the receiver, and means controlled thereby for either locking the piece against being fired, or for adjusting saine for single shot fire or fo'r automatic fire, substantially as described.

20. In an automatic gun of the character described thecombination with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated Inear the muzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return spr-ing for returning said rod to the initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating rod by hand, when desired, a breech block mounted in said receiver and adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return sprin for returning said breech block tothe close p0- sition, and a locking lever operated by the reciprocating movement of said actuating rod and adapted to release said breech block when said rod is moved rearward and to lock the breech block when the breech block and actuating rod are in the forward position, a tiring pin and iring pin spring carried by said breech block, means for cooking said firing pin, means operated by'hand for releasing said firing pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said vfiring pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, with a safety lever pivoted .to the receiver, and means controlled thereby for either locking the piece against being fired, or for adjusting same for single shot fire or for automatic fire, substantially as described.

21. In an automatic gun of the character described, the `combination with the barrel near the muzzle to permit the escape of powspring close position, a bell crank locking lever.

pivotedoin said receiver `and having one arm adapted to engage said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block by the rearward movement ofthe actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rod are in the forward position, a tiring pin and firing pin spring carried by said breech "block, means for cooking said firing pin, means' operated by hand for releasing said firing pin when desired, and means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said firing pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, with a 4safety lever pivoted to the receiver, and means controlled thereby for either locking the piece lagainst being fired, or for adjusting same for single. shot or for automatic fire, substantially as described.

22.' in an'automatic' gun of the character described, the combustion with the barrel and receiver, the barrel being perforated near the vmuzzle to permit the escape of powder gases, of an actuating rod operated by said escaping powder gases, and a return vSpring for returning said rod to fthe initial position, with means for reciprocating said actuating .rod by hand, when desired, a

vte

breech block mounted insaid receiverand adapted to be moved rearward by the pressure of the powder gases, a return spring forreturning said breech block to the closed position, and a bell crank` locking lever pivoted in said receiver and having one arm adapted to engage Said breech block and the other arm engaging said actuating rod, the said locking lever being released from engagement with the breech block 'by the rearward movement of the's'aid actuating rod and being thrown into locking position when said breech block and said actuating rodare in the forward position, a

Vfiring pin and firing pin spring carried by said breech block, means for cooking said firing pin, means operated by hand for releasing said firing pin when desired, and

means automatically operated by said actuating rod for releasing said' firing pin when the breech block is in the closed and locked position, with a safety lever pivoted to the receiver, and means controlled thereby for either locking the piece against being fired,

or for adjusting same for single shot lire, or for automatic re, substantially as described.

Liesbet 23, anautomatic gun, the combination with areciprocating breech block of feed.

mechanism operated thereby comprising a rotary spindle, a-cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block whereby said spindle is rocked, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a

sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet andy pawl arrangement, and a sprocket chain adapted to feed the cartridges ser'atz'm driven by said sprocket wheel, substantially as described,

2d. ln an automatic gun, the combination with a reciprocating breech block, of feed mechanism operated thereby comprising a rotary spindle, a cam engagement between sald spindle and said breechV block whereby said spindle is rocked, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a.

sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain driven by said sprocket wheel and. provided with `pusher arms, and means for feeding the cartridges to said sprocket chain between said pusher arms, substantially as described.

25. In an automatic gun, the combination with a reciprocating breech block, of feed vmechanism. operated l thereby comprising a rotary spindle, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block whereby said spindle is rocked, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated byv said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet and 'pawl a1-rangement, a sprocket chain driven bysaid sprocket wheel andprovided with ,pusher arms, and a hopper mounted above said sprocket chain and provided with a series of cartridge delivery vchambers adapted to feed the cartridges to said sprocket chain between said pusher arms, substantially 'as said spindle is rocked', a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocketwheel driven by said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain driven by said sprocket wheel and prdvided with pusher arms, and a hopper mounted above said sprocket chain and provided with a series of cartridge delivery chambers adapted to feed the cartridges to said sprocket chain between said pusher arms, with means for feeding said cartridges to said hopper, substantially as described. w

27. In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block recipro# eating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated bythe reciprocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said redie and said breech block for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement opprislng a rotary spindle journaled in said l receiver, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech -block 'for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and awl arrangement operated by said spin le, a sprocket wheel driven by'said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adaptedto feed the cartridges serz'atz'm to said receiver, with a hopper carried by said receiver and divided into a series of cartridge chambers adapted to deliver the cartridges to said sprocket chain, and means for feeding said cartridges to said hopper, substantially as described.

29. In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated by the reciprocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said receiver, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges seatz'm to said receiver, means for feeding the cartridges to said sprocket chain, and a feed piece pivoted in said .receiver and having its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges seratz'm from said sprocket chain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement, substantially as described.

'30. In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated by the reciprocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said receiver, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block for rocking. said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by' said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain provided With pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges servz'atzm to said receiver, with a hopper carried by said receiver and divided into a series of cartridge chambers adapted to deliver the cartridges to said sprocket chain, means for feeding said cartridges to said hopper, and a feed piece pivoted in said receiver and having its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges seratz'm -from said sprocket chain into the position wheel driven by said ratchet and pawl ar rangement, a sprocket chain vprovided with pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges seriatc'm to said receiver, means for feeding the cartridges to said sprocket chain, and a feed piece pivoted in said receiver and having its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges serz'ttz'm from said sprocket chain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement, with a friction brake carried by said feed piece and engaging a bearing surface on said receiver to steady said feed piece when in operation, substantially as described.

32. In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism `carried by said receiver and actuated by the reciprocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said receiver, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges seratm to said receiver, with a hopper carried by said receiver and divided into a series of cartridge chambers adapted to deliver the cartridges to said sprocket chain, means for feeding said cartridges to said hopper, and a feed piece pivoted in said receiver and having its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf .ada ted to lift the cartridges seatz'mfrom sai sprocket chain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block durig its forward movement, with a friction brake carried by said feed vpiece and engaging a bearing surface on said receiver to steady said feed piece when in operation, substantialiy as described.

33. In an automatic gum-the combination `with a receiver and reciprocating 'breech block mounted therein, of a feed piece pivoted in said receiver and having its rear arm adapted to' engage said breech block during its rearward movement, and having its. Vforward arm provided with a shelf adapted to support the cartridge, means for feeding the cartridges 'serz'atz'm to said shelf, and a friction brake carried by said feed piece and engaging said receiver to steady themovement of said feed piece while in operation, substantially as described.

34;. In an automaticl gun, the combination:t

vwith a receiver and a breech block recipiicating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated the rciprgcating motion of said breech block, comprisF ing a rotary spindle journaled in said re-A celver, a cam engagement between said spindle .and said breech block for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a' sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adapted to feed the 4cartridges seratz'm to said receiver, means for feeding the cartridges to said sprocket chain, and a feed piece pivoted in saidreceiver and rhaving its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech, block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges serz'atm from said sprocket chain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement, the forward 4arm of said feed piece being also provided with a cam face adapted to vengage the underside of said breech block and to be pressed down thereby when the breech block moves forward to the closed position, substantially as described.

35. In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and 'a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated by the recip-4 rocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said receiver, a cam engagement between said spindle and said breech block for rocking said spindle, a ratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel driven by Said ratchet and pawl arrangement, a. sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges sem'atz'm to said receiver, with a hopper carried by said receiver and Adivided into a seigisaees' of cartridge chambers adapted to de.- v1i1verathe cartridges Vto said sprocket chain, means for feedin said cartridges tov said hopper, and a fee piece pivoted in said receiver and having its rear` arm adapted to be gpressed downward during the rearward movement vof the breech block, and havingJ itsv forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges serz'atz'm from said sprocket chain into the position tobe pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement, the forward arm of said feed piece being also provided with a cam face adapted to -engage the underside of said breech block vand to be pressed down Vthereby when the breech block moves forward tothe closed position, substantially as described. n

36. .In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated by the reciproc'ating motion ofsaid breech block, comprising a rotary spindle journaled in said rey ing its rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm .v provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges sem'atz'mfrom said sprocket lchain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement,

with a friction brakek carried by said feed piece and engaging a bearing surface on said recelver to steady said feed piece lwhen in.

operation, the forward arm of said feed piece being also provided with a cam face adapted to engage the underside of said breech block and to be pressed down thereby when the breech block moves forward to the closed position, substantially as described.

37 In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and a breech block reciprocating therein, of feed mechanism carried by said receiver and actuated by the reciprocating motion of said breech block, comprising a rotary spindlejournaled in. said receiver, a cam engagement .between said spindle and said breech block for rocking said spindle, avratchet and pawl arrangement operated by said spindle, a sprocket wheel ldriven by said ratchet and pawl ar-.

rangement, a sprocket chain provided with pusher arms adapted to feed the cartridges seratz'm to said receiver, with a hopper carried by said receiver and divided into a incense series of cartridge chambers adapted to des liver the cartridges to said sprocket chain, means for feedin said cartridges to said hopper, and a fee piece pivoted in said receiver and having 1ts rear arm adapted to be pressed downward during the rearward movement of the breech block, and having its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to lift the cartridges sem'atz'm from said sprocket chain into the position to be pushed home by the breech block during its forward movement, with a friction brake carried by said feed piece and engaging a bearing surface cn said receiver to steady said feed piece when in operation, the forward arm of said feed piece being also provided with a cam face adapted to engage thezunderside of said breech block and to be pressed down thereby when the breech block moves forward to the closed position, substantiaiy as described.

38.` In an automatic gun, the combination with a receiver and reciprocating breech block mounted therein, of a feed piece pivotedin said receiver and having its rear arm adapted to engage. said breech block during its rearward movement, and havin its forward arm provided with a shelf adapted to support the cartridge, with a cam face adapted to be struck by the breech block as it nears the closed position, means for feeding the cartridges serzat'z'm to said shelf, and a friction brake carried by said feed piece and engaging said receiver to steady the movement of said feed iece while in operation, substantially as escribed.

In testimony whereof, I aix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

ALEXANDER MICLAUS, JR. Witnesses: M. TL. BENzLnR, y Emmer WILKINSON. 

